Why It Matters
Grid connection capacity is a limited resource and, in the context of the accelerating energy transition, access to it is becoming increasingly competitive. Starting from the threshold of 5 MW installed capacity, the competitive allocation mechanism through auction applies, regulated and managed by Transelectrica (TSO) and distribution operators (DO).
Key figures of the mechanism:
- ≥ 5 MW — the threshold above which the competitive allocation procedure applies
- 10 years — the period for which connection capacity is allocated
- €20,000/MW — the participation guarantee for the auction (value applicable in 2026)
Who It Applies To
The competitive capacity allocation procedure applies to the following categories of applicants:
- New production sites — installations to be connected to the grid for the first time
- Capacity increase — an increase in the installed capacity of an existing production site
- On-site generation — generation installations integrated at the point of consumption
The allocation request is submitted exclusively on the licitatii.transelectrica.ro platform, in accordance with the following distribution of competences:
- To the TSO (Transelectrica) — for capacities greater than 50 MW
- To the distribution operator (DO) — for capacities up to 50 MW
The 8-Step Allocation Process
The connection capacity allocation procedure takes place in eight distinct and successive stages:
- Determination of available capacity — the TSO and DOs calculate the available connection capacity in the grid for the allocation period
- Publication of available capacity — the information is published on the dedicated platform for transparency towards potential applicants
- Submission of applications and participation guarantees — applicants submit the required documentation and provide the participation guarantee
- Verification and validation of applications — the operator verifies the completeness and compliance of the submitted documentation
- Publication of the list of validated applications — the list of eligible applicants is published on the platform
- Solution study (Phase II) — technical studies are prepared for the validated applications
- Organisation and conduct of auctions — daily auctions are held on the platform, with bids ranked in descending order by price
- Conclusion of contracts and payment for allocated capacity — winners sign the contracts and make payment in accordance with the established terms
2026 Calendar (Transitional Provisions)
For 2026, the procedure applies under a transitional regime, with a single key deadline:
- 14 July 2026 — deadline for submitting allocation requests and participation guarantees on the licitatii.transelectrica.ro platform
All developers and investors intending to access connection capacity within the first auction cycle must comply with this deadline without exception.
Standard Annual Calendar from 2027
From 2027 onwards, the allocation procedure will follow a standardised annual calendar:
- 15 January — publication of the Phase I global study (available capacity)
- 28/29 February — deadline for submitting applications and participation guarantees
- 15 March — publication of the list of validated applications
- 15 June — completion of Phase II solution studies
- 1 July — commencement of daily auctions on the platform
- Maximum 5 working days after the auction — transmission and signing of allocation contracts
- 30 days — deadline for payment of the first instalment (minimum 20% of the contract value)
- Maximum 4 months — deadline for full payment of the allocated capacity
Guarantees and Payments
Participation guarantee
To participate in the auction, applicants must provide a participation guarantee of €20,000/MW (value applicable in 2026). This is returned to unsuccessful participants and retained in the event of non-compliance with contractual obligations.
Financial payment guarantee
After winning the auction, the beneficiary must provide a financial guarantee equivalent to 1% of the allocation contract value, which covers the risk of non-payment.
Payment schedule
- Instalment 1: minimum 20% of the contract value, within 30 days of signing the contract
- Full payment: within a maximum of 4 months from signing the contract
Accepted forms of guarantee
- Bank guarantee letter
- Bank deposit established in favour of the operator
- Direct payment (for entities with a minimum BBB/S&P rating)
Amounts collected through guarantees and payments are used exclusively to finance the reinforcement and development of the electricity grid, ensuring that infrastructure investments are supported by the beneficiaries of the allocated capacity.
The Four Auction Scenarios
Auctions are held daily on the dedicated platform, and bids are evaluated according to the following rules:
- Descending price ranking — bids with the highest price are prioritised
- Tie-breaking at equal prices — where bids are at the same price, priority is determined by timestamp (the time of bid submission)
The four possible auction scenarios cover situations where the available capacity is greater than, equal to, or less than total demand, as well as tie-breaking situations at identical prices.
Risks and Points of Attention
Participants in the allocation procedure must be aware of the following operational and contractual risks:
- Incomplete documentation — the applicant has 5 working days to complete the documentation; otherwise, the application is dismissed
- Failure to submit the signed contract — results in the forfeiture of the participation guarantee and loss of the allocated capacity
- Late payment — leads to loss of the allocated capacity and retention of the financial guarantee
- Unsuccessful bid — the participant has a maximum of 2 hours from the end of the auction to opt for any remaining unallocated capacity, if applicable
How PRRF Can Help
PRRF provides comprehensive assistance throughout the entire connection capacity allocation procedure:
- Eligibility and strategy — analysis of the project's specific situation and identification of the most appropriate approach
- Application file — full preparation and verification of the documentation required for submitting the application
- Guarantees — assistance in structuring and establishing participation and financial guarantees
- Auction and contract — representation and support during the auction procedure and in the negotiation/signing of the allocation contract
- Ongoing compliance — monitoring of compliance with contractual obligations throughout the allocation period
Presentation document for informational purposes, prepared on the basis of the Transelectrica Procedure (ANRE Order 53/2024, as amended by Orders 79/2025 and 15/2026). This does not constitute legal advice. For application to a specific case, please contact PRRF.